A WINSFORD primary school has completed its conversion to an academy to help it build on its recent improvements.

On April 1, Willow Wood Community Nursery and Primary School joined the Concordia Multi Academy Trust – a growing eight-school trust operating in Cheshire West, Cheshire East and Wirral.

With the support of the trust, the Bradbury Road school is looking to continue going from strength to strength following on from its latest 'good' Ofsted report.

The education watchdog's report marked a positive turnaround for the school, which had been rated as 'requiring improvement' after its last pre-pandemic inspection.

Head teacher Martin Bell said: "We are all incredibly excited to have joined the Concordia family of schools.

"It was apparent from our very first meeting, from consequent visits to schools, and chats with staff, that Concordia and Willow Wood share many of the same values.

"Willow Wood staff and leaders are looking forward to continue to work collaboratively with schools in the trust, on the next stage of our journey to be the very best that we can be."

Diane Clark, the school's chairman of governors, said: "This is a really exciting time for Willow Wood.

"The governing body was unanimously enthusiastic about the chance to join Concordia, recognising the synergy of approach.

"The chance to collaborate with Concordia can only be seen as incredibly positive and we’re confident that we can both benefit from and contribute to the future of the trust."

While the trust can of course support the school, leaders at at both believe Willow Wood also has a great deal to offer to support developments in the wider Concordia trust.  

Tracy Webb, the Concordia Multi Academy Trust CEO, added: "I am really excited Willow Wood Community Nursery and Primary School has joined the Concordia Multi Academy Trust family. 

"I am confident Willow Wood will enhance our trust and bring with them a wealth of experience."